Wednesday, June 13, 2012

An apple a day...

...only in your dreams. Korean prices for fruit are out of this world expensive. A glimpse of the exorbitant prices for fresh produce at my local supermarket. Be warned, you will be shocked.

Apples, individually wrapped, for 4,800 KRW or around $4.12 each.

Six peaches for 21,900 KRW or $18.78.

A six-pack of vine ripened tomatoes 5,800 KRW or $4.97.

A watermelon going for 26,900 KRW or about $23.00.

Luckily, you CAN find produce for a bit cheaper by scouring the local traditional markets. My first reaction to these prices (which were even higher during the winter months when I arrived) was, "How do the Koreans survive?!" But like everything else, you get used to it. In fact, I bought 2.5 carrots today for 1,600 won, which is the equivalent to almost $1. It felt like a bargain.